Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Gwynedd

Explore these places for wildlife in Gwynedd. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Llyn Celanedd Nature Reserve — formerly Spinnies Aberogwen

Near Tal-y-bont, near Bangor.

Habitat: Freshwater lagoons, reedbeds and woodland lie beside the Ogwen Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, little egret, little grebe, water rail (elusive).

02 / 05

Near Llanbedr.

Habitat: Ancient Atlantic oak woodland covers steep, mossy slopes in a sheltered valley.
Wildlife to look for: Pied flycatcher (spring–summer), wood warbler (spring–summer), redstart (spring–summer), tawny owl (mainly nocturnal).

03 / 05

Near Penrhyndeudraeth.

Habitat: Woodland, heathland, grassy clearings and ponds have reclaimed a former explosives factory.
Wildlife to look for: Nightjar (summer evenings), lesser horseshoe bat (active after dusk in warmer months), adder (warmer months), redstart (spring–summer), glow-worm (summer nights).

04 / 05

Near Harlech.

Habitat: Coastal sand dunes, damp dune hollows and saltmarsh border a wide sandy beach.
Wildlife to look for: Sand lizard (warmer months), dark green fritillary butterfly (summer), grayling butterfly (summer), common scoter (winter, offshore).

05 / 05

Near Arthog.

Habitat: Freshwater mire, ponds and wet alder and willow woodland lie beside the Mawddach Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Grass snake (warmer months), siskin (especially autumn–winter flocks), bullfinch, willow warbler (spring–summer).